Rich Preston

Rich Preston
Rich Preston
Born	Richard John Preston; May 22, 1952 (age 74); Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Occupation(s)	Ice hockey forward, coach, scout
Years active	1974–1987 (player), 2003–present (coach/scout)
Known for	Playing for Houston Aeros, Winnipeg Jets (WHA), Chicago Black Hawks (NHL); coaching Calgary Flames, Lethbridge Hurricanes; scouting for Anaheim Ducks

Richard John "Rich" Preston (born May 22, 1952) is a former Canadian ice hockey forward and current coach. His professional playing career included stints with the Houston Aeros and Winnipeg Jets in the World Hockey Association (WHA), as well as the Chicago Black Hawks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Preston secured the Avco World Trophy twice—first in 1975 with Houston and later in 1979 with Winnipeg—and was honored as the WHA Playoff MVP during the league’s final season prior to its merger with the NHL.

Early life

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Preston is the son of Ken Preston, who served for many years as general manager of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and is inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Rich Preston played his collegiate hockey career with the Denver Pioneers.

Playing career

Preston gained attention from NHL teams through his performance alongside Rob Palmer, who had been selected by Chicago. Nonetheless, he opted to sign with the Houston Aeros of the WHA, receiving a $25,000 signing bonus plus $30,000 for his initial season.

He launched his professional tenure in 1974-75 with Houston, contributing to their Avco World Trophy victory. While there, he formed a notable line with Gordie and Mark Howe, earning the playful moniker "Howe, Howe and Who!" After four seasons with Houston until the franchise ceased operations, Preston was traded to the Winnipeg Jets for the 1978-79 campaign. There, he played a key role in winning another Avco World Trophy and was named playoff MVP.

In 1980, Preston made the transition to the NHL by joining the Chicago Black Hawks and later suited up for the New Jersey Devils before retiring following the 1987 season.

Post career

Following his playing days, Preston worked as an assistant coach for the Calgary Flames from 2003-04 through shortly after the 2008-09 NHL season. After being released from that position, he took on dual responsibilities as head coach and general manager of the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. After four seasons without postseason appearances, he was dismissed from both roles prior to the 2013 WHL playoffs. Currently, Preston serves as a scout for the Anaheim Ducks.

Career statistics

			Regular season					Playoffs
Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1969–70	Regina Pats	SJHL	36	15	15	30	4	—	—	—	—	—
1970–71	University of Denver	WCHA	17	0	1	1	0	—	—	—	—	—
1971–72	University of Denver	WCHA	33	3	11	14	18	—	—	—	—	—
1972–73	University of Denver	WCHA	39	23	25	48	24	—	—	—	—	—
1973–74	University of Denver	WCHA	38	20	25	45	36	—	—	—	—	—
1974–75	Houston Aeros	WHA	78	20	21	41	10	13	1	6	7	6
1975–76	Houston Aeros	WHA	77	22	33	55	33	17 \|4 \|6 \|10 \|8 \|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|1976–77 \|Houston Aeros \|WHA \|80 \|38 \|41 \|79 \|54 \|11 \|3 \|5 \|8 \|10 \|- \|- \|1977–78 \|Houston Aeros \|WHA \|73 \|25 \|25 \|50 \|52 \|— \|— \|— \|— \|— \|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|1978–79 \|Winnipeg Jets \|WHA \|80 \|28 \|32 \|60 \|88 \|10 \|8 \|5 \|13 \|15 \|- \|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|1979–80 \|Chicago Black Hawks \|National Hockey League (NHL) \|80 \|31 \|30 \|61 \|70 \|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" ... [table continues with same format] ...
NHL totals			580	127	164	291	348	47	4	18	22	56
WHA totals			388	133	152	285	237	51	16	22	38	39

External links